Healing Touch: Play Doctor, Book 2 by Jayne Rylon Read Free Book Online Page A

the elevator. “It’s fantastic. I’m proud of you.”
    “I haven’t actually done it yet.” Her finger shook when she poked the button.
    Luke cupped her shoulders in his hands and turned her to face him. “Listen to what I’m saying. You’re safe. There is nothing that can hurt you in there. The doors will open as soon as we’re down one floor. I’ll be with you. Keep breathing. Focus on your heartbeat and making it steady. Then I want you to say this to yourself: I’m okay. This is temporary. I’m not trapped in here. I’m okay…”
    She joined him in practicing the mantra. They’d repeated it about twenty times before the bell signaled the car’s arrival.
    Brielle stiffened instantly beneath his palms. “You don’t have to do this. Only what you’re comfortable with. There’s always next time.”
    The doors began to slide closed with them still on the outside.
    “No!” She jabbed the arrow again. When the opening was at its widest, she latched on to his arm, dragged him inside with her and closed her eyes. A deep breath expanded her slender ribs, enhancing the swell of her breasts. As she exhaled, she began to chant aloud. “I’m fine. This is just temporary. We are not locked in here. I am safe. You are with me.”
    Luke didn’t mind her revisions. Whatever kept her calm and began to coach her consciousness into accepting the truth was fine with him.
    Brielle did such a great job, she didn’t seem to notice when the car slowed and the doors slid apart, welcoming them to the lobby.
    “We’re here.” He tapped her on the shoulder.
    “What? Already?” She looked up at him and grinned, then did the cutest little conga he’d ever seen in his life out of the elevator.
    And in that instant he knew they had some major problems. Because despite every oath he’d ever sworn, he wanted one of his patients.
    Brielle launched herself at him, giving him no time to do more than react. He caught her in his arms and used their momentum to swing her around, instead of crashing to the floor in an undignified pile of limbs. “I did it!”
    “Yes, you did.” He hugged her tight before setting her onto her tiptoes. Did she have to smell so delicious? “Congratulations.”
    “Same to you.” They grinned as they passed a bewildered Mrs. Allerton. “You’re amazing, Luke.”
    The way his name flew off her tongue, familiar and reverent, stirred something deep inside him. So did the confidence in her bearing when she marched to the revolving door, tucked into one of the cubbies and shoved right through her fears.
     
     
    Brielle floated alongside Luke as he led her to one of his favorite cafes. She couldn’t believe how much hope he’d bestowed in such a short amount of time. Sure, she was messed up. Majorly. It would take time and an enormous amount of energy to make real progress. Still, she actually believed it could work.
    If only she’d tried this years ago.
    Regret had no place at the table with them. She shoved it away. The reality was she hadn’t been ready. Hiding in Brad’s house had been a convenient excuse. She could see that now. And if she had reached out for help, she likely would not have found Luke or a counselor as well suited to her.
    His light, gentle style mixed with some smart-assery met all her needs perfectly. Without him, she had no doubt today could have been a disaster. So she decided to give him what he’d asked for. “I’m a student services coordinator for the Science Department of the university.”
    “In the Franklin Building?” He whipped his head toward her. “On State Street?”
    “Yep, that’s the one.”
    “I know it well.” His lips pinched tight as though he wanted to add something, but stopped himself.
    “What is it?” Brielle touched his arm lightly, startling them both.
    “Uh. My two best friends have a practice on the second floor. I’m there all the time. How haven’t I met you before?” He shook his head.
    “I haven’t worked there very